Meet Development Coordinator Bree Makepeace
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to welcome Mrs. Bree Makepeace to the SFLS family. She will serve our school community as the new Development Coordinator.
In this new role, Mrs. Makepeace will work closely with Development Ambassador, Pastor Scott Sailer, and Executive Director, Mrs. Tia Esser, to support development initiatives, deepen donor relationships, and build a meaningful alumni network. With God’s help, she will strengthen our culture of generosity and expand the resources needed to carry out our mission of developing capable Christian servant-leaders who are World Ready, Faith Secure.
With a strong background in leadership, athletics, and organizational support, Bree is well prepared for her work at SFLS. A decorated Pipestone (MN) High School Arrow student-athlete, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Augustana University and has experience in coaching, recruiting, event management, fundraising, and business operations. Her remarkable athletic career, both in high school and as a heptathlete at Augustana, reflects the discipline, perseverance, and teamwork she now brings to her role as Development Coordinator. In addition, her time as an assistant track and field coach at the University of Findlay, along with roles in business and customer relations here in Sioux Falls, have equipped her with excellent skills in communication, coordination, and relationship building.
Best of all, Bree brings an enthusiastic heart for service and a desire to use her God-given gifts in support of the mission and ministry of SFLS. She sums it up beautifully herself: “I love people and look forward to sharing the love of Christ in this new position!”
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Mrs. Makepeace and her new role at SFLS.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your family.
I met my husband, Andrew, while I was coaching track and field at The University of Findlay in Ohio. In June of 2023, Andrew took his current position, Head Swimming and Diving Coach at Augustana University, so we found ourselves in Sioux Falls.
We have three children, Boone, Riplee, and Roree. They challenge us daily, but also remind us how perfect God’s love is compared to ours. There is never a dull or quiet moment in our house and most things are a mess, but we love a good lake day, family adventures, and the ability to share our lives with the people we love.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as Development Coordinator?
I’m looking forward to directly serving a ministry. When I took this position, I kept thinking about Matthew 7:24-27 and how Sioux Falls Lutheran is directly impacting and equipping its students and community forever. Sioux Falls Lutheran was God-sent when we moved here, so I look forward to sharing my story, hearing others’ stories, and continuing to spread the news and mission of Sioux Falls Lutheran.
What skills or experiences from your past roles do you think will be most valuable here?
The best part of coaching was building relationships with the people I was around and watching growth unfold. Making sure each person felt the connection to those around them, the school, and its goals was essential for growth and success, and learning to foster those connections was important for me and my own development.
How has being both a parent and now a staff member shaped your perspective on the school community?
It is enlightening to move from parent to staff member, because I get the opportunity to see “both sides of the coin.” I have gained a new appreciation of the school and its people as a whole. We all have unique challenges and perspectives we face, but the mission has been reflected through each person.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a heptathlete in college and privileged to not only be an All American in track and field, but also received the honor of coaching for six years.
Favorite Bible verse:
The best thing about the Bible is that no matter where I’m at, God meets me. Currently my favorite verse is, “He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.’” –Matthew 17:20
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.